American Pickers Star Mike Wolfe Says He Will Be Taking A Break From The Show For The First Time In Its 15-Year Run
The news of Mike Wolfe’s hiatus from the reality show comes just six months after the passing of his co-star and friend, Frank Fritz.
American Pickers has been a hit since its debut in 2010 on the History Channel. The show originally followed Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they travelled the country searching for rare treasures to buy and sell in their antique shop.
However, after Fritz left the show due to health issues in 2021, Wolfe’s brother, Rob, stepped in to take his place.
Fritz passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 60 due to complications from a stroke he suffered in 2022, which left him immobilized.
He also battled Crohn’s disease, though it was not confirmed whether it played a role in his death.
After Fritz’s passing, Wolfe shared a tribute to his longtime friend. The two spent more than 20 seasons filming together and had a close friendship off-screen as well.
“What you’ve seen on TV has always been what I have seen, a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny,” Wolfe wrote. “The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”
“We’ve been on countless trips and shared so many miles and I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home,” he continued. “I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know your in a better place.”
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Wolfe revealed that he will be taking a break from American Pickers.
“We haven’t done that in 15 years, so that’s going to feel good. For 15 years, we have just been going and going and going,” Wolfe said.
He also added that the longest time he has left the show was just for “a month around Christmas.”
“I think we’re going to have at least four or five months off, so it’s going to be good,” he added.
During his time away, Wolfe will be taking on a new adventure— his first-ever movie!
He is set to star in a film titled Day of Reckoning alongside his girlfriend, Leticia Cline.
Wolfe says that at this point in his life and career, he wants to be more open to new experiences and explore different opportunities.
“It’s been 20 years of my life, American Pickers has been. And so now kind of slowing down into it, I’m reflecting a lot, like so many people do my age,” he said.
“That’s why really it’s a celebration of me turning 60 and I’m like, I’m doing this. You want to do another show? I’m doing another show. You want me to have a part in the scripted project? I’m doing it. I’m excited about the next chapter of everything.”